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2002
International Travel Seminar
Class Diary |
March 8, 2002
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Chinese Dairy Industry
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Shanghai to
Suzhou,
China
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Dairy Cow Mosaic at Bright Dairy and
Food Company Ltd.
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Our day started off by meeting our host Robert
Lee, Regional Director Asia Animal Health Operations of
Pharmacia, at our hotel. We drove to Shanghi Bright Dairy and
Food Company Ltd. (picture 1) Bright is a partnership between
the Chinese government and several private investors. The
office complex of Bright contains their labs and experimental
production facilities. Mr. Wang, Chief of the Technical
Center, explained Bright and the Chinese Dairy industry. There
is great potential for dairy products in China because current
consumption is so low. The government is also promoting dairy
products to schoolchildren. Consumption of dairy at an early
age is thought to lessen lactose intolerance.
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| From Bright we traveled to
Shuzhou. Along the way we had an excellent view of the
countryside. Ducks, fish, rice and vegetables could be seen
from the bus window. |
When we arrived in Shuzhou, we toured Pharmacia’s production
facilities. This plant
produces products for China and many Pacific Rim countries.
This is the only Animal Health Plant in China to receive CGMP
status (Current Good Manufacturing Practices, similar to ISO
9000). After our tour we engaged in a Question and Answer
session with Mr. Lee and his management team.
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Pharmacia plant
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Then on to the Embroidery Institute we drove. Beautiful
embroidery on silk was displayed. The Chinese government
commissioned a double-sided portrait of Prince Charles and
Lady Diana. Diana and Charles were on opposites sides of the
piece of transparent silk. Unfortunately the couple divorced
before the piece was finished. So now it is on display. The
stop was a first for our group because we did not purchase
anything.
Don’t fear, we did continue to support the Chinese economy at
the next stop. This shop had wonderful embroidery at a
fraction of the price of the institute. Last year the Chinese
economy grew at 7%. After the IALP group visit, expect at
least 9%. Several members have purchased additional baggage,
including one suitcase that could haul a small Chinese family.
(Makes you wonder about those credit card statements for next
month).
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Hardy feast
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The crowning event was the evening meal
sponsored by Pharmacia. It was hosted in an upscale Chinese
restaurant. Culinary fair
included: shark fin, silver fish, wild weeds, duck soup, fish
(head still attached), and wild boar. Our generous hosts, the
Pharmacia Management Team, spent the entire day with us. We
especially appreciate the two female members that
participated. March 8th is women’s day in China. All female
employees received half a day off of work. |
Tonight was the last evening with the
Trade Director of the Asia Office for the Illinois Department
of Agriculture. Without him, we would have paid too much at
the local shops, not understood the entire meaning of our
Chinese speakers, nor had such an excellent perspective on
doing business in China. Many thanks to the “31st” member of IALP
2002! |
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Chairpersons: Mary Christine Ludwig, Ron Tombaugh and
Charlotte McCullough
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